Our 2016 Fellowship Recipients

Kiana CourtneyUniversity of Miami School of Law

Kiana Courtney is a second-year law student at the University of Miami, School of Law. In 2013, Kiana received her Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University in Communication with a concentration in Rhetorical Studies and minors in Sociology and Environmental Studies. As an undergraduate student, she served several roles, including the Communications and Outreach intern for both Wake Forest's Office of Sustainability and the United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for North America. Kiana's work with these organizations coupled with her Wake Forest education affirmed her desire to focus on environmental justice and community access to resources. After graduating, she joined Teach For America and taught 8th grade physical science in Atlanta Public Schools.

As a University of Miami law student, Kiana continues to serve her community through her participation in outreach organizations like Books & Buddies and Empowered Youth. This past summer, Kiana served as a clerk in the Tallahassee office for Earthjustice, a public interest environmental law organization. She also had an opportunity to travel abroad to study water policy in China & Vietnam. Kiana is currently participating in the Environmental Justice Clinic. She also serves as the Vice President of the Black Law Student Association and the Vice Justice of Phi Alpha Delta, International.

Bobby DesmondUniversity of Florida Levin College of Law

Bobby Desmond is a second-year student at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and served as an extern at the Association of Public Television Stations in Arlington, Virginia this past summer. Bobby holds a number of leadership positions on campus including: Vice President of Entertainment for the Entertainment and Sports Law Society, Student Recruitment Team Member, and Introduction to Law School and the Profession Ambassador. He is currently enrolled in the Intellectual Property Law Certificate Program and a member of the Intellectual Property & Technology Law Association.

Bobby received a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Law from the University of Florida. During this time, he worked as an on-air radio personality on WYKS Kiss 105.3 FM, directed and hosted web-series at ChomPics Productions, and served as the Independent Florida Alligator's resident television critic. As a proud first-generation college student from a low-income family, Bobby also acted as a Peer Mentor for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars.

Daniel JosephSt. Thomas School of Law

Daniel Joseph is a second-year law student at St. Thomas University School of Law. Daniel was elected as a 1L Student Governor for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, where he assisted in furthering the goals of the Florida Bar. Daniel is a candidate for the St. Thomas Law Review and has made the Dean's List each semester while at St. Thomas. Daniel also serves as the Treasurer for the Black Law Student Association.

Daniel's passions include mentoring and motivating young people. He considers it an honor to serve as a mentor in the Honorable Peter Palermo Program, which is a community partnership that involves regular visits by St. Thomas Law students to the Law Magnet Program at Miami Carol City Senior High School. Daniel and his classmates teach topics ranging from constitutional law to U.S. government and history. This past summer, Daniel interned with the Honorable Alan Forst at the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal. Daniel is a dedicated father of two, who resides in Palm Beach County.

Aqueelah MitchellFlorida State University College of Law

Aqueelah Mitchell is a native of Miami, Florida and a third-year student at Florida State University College of Law. Aqueelah is the President of the Black Law Student Association and a member of the Moot Court Team, College of Law Supreme Court and Cuban American Bar Association. She serves as a College of Law Student Ambassador and Holland & Knight Griffin Middle School Mentor. This past summer, Aqueelah had an opportunity to intern at the Florida First District Court of Appeal and the Miami Garden City Attorney's Office.

Aqueelah received a Bachelor of Arts in English and International Affairs, with a minor in Communication from Florida State University in 2014.

Jessica MolinaUniversity of Florida Levin College of Law

Jessica Molina is a third-year student at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Following her first year of law school, Jessica completed her externship at the Alachua County Public Defender's Office. This past summer, Jessica worked at Three Rivers Legal Service, Inc. in Gainesville. After graduation, Jessica hopes to secure a job in public interest law. Having volunteered locally and abroad in impoverished communities, Jessica has developed a strong passion for helping indigent persons and addressing injustice. Jessica's experiences engendered an idea for to create a non-profit corporation with her siblings called Generation Rising, Inc. They saw the need for a victim advocate program, and counseling services for victims of abuse or contemplating suicide, particularity those in low-income communities. Generation Rising, Inc. was developed to target the youth in their surrounding area. The family hopes to one day grow their non-profit and be able to reach more than just those in their local community.